Hardware
Ongoing coverage on Hardware.
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Intel’s new, "fastest ever" desktop CPUs put their focus back on game performance
Intel has announced its new Core Ultra 200S Plus series of desktop CPUs, set to release on March 26th, with models like the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus. These processors are specifically tuned for enhanced gaming performance, aiming to reclaim the gaming advantage from competitors like AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The new chips feature improved die-to-die frequency for reduced latency and are priced competitively at $299 and $199 respectively.
Xbox Project Helix Gets Key Updates, Including When Developers Will Get The System
Microsoft's Xbox division provided updates on its next-generation Project Helix platform at the Game Developers Conference. Alpha development kits are slated to be distributed to developers in 2027, with the platform featuring custom AMD silicon, advanced raytracing, and neural rendering capabilities. Industry analysts predict a high price point for the console, potentially starting at $900.
'Exclusives Are Absolutely Not Happening': Xbox Helix Will Share Library with PS6
Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma has stated that Xbox will not pursue game exclusivity, indicating that future titles will be available on PC and potentially PlayStation 6. This comes amid speculation about the upcoming Xbox Helix hardware and contrasting strategies with Sony's focus on first-party exclusives.
Project Helix Insider: New Game Will Be ‘Pretty Expensive’ for Niche Market
Insider information suggests that the upcoming 'Project Helix' will be a premium-priced game targeted at a very niche audience, rather than a mass-market release. This strategy could involve high-end hardware, specialized VR experiences, or hardcore simulation titles. The success of this approach will depend on delivering clear value that justifies the cost, similar to how Valve positioned the Steam Deck.
Mode claims its upcoming Encore keyboard refresh 'delivers our most satisfying typing experience to date' and…
High-end keyboard maker Mode has announced a refresh to its Encore keyboard, featuring a new crown mounting system and design enhancements. The 2026 Encore will be available in five colors and is expected to deliver a satisfying typing experience. Mode also teased updates for its Sonnet and Prologue keyboard lines, following a year of research and development.
Best Gaming CPUs 2026: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X vs 7800X3D vs 9700X vs 9800X3D vs 9850X3D
This article ranks the best gaming CPUs for 2026, focusing on AMD's Ryzen 7000X3D and 9000X3D processors. It highlights their affordability, power efficiency, and performance, with specific testing of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 9700X, 9800X3D, and 9850X3D.
iPad Air M4 review: Still Apple's best overall tablet, with a few caveats
The iPad Air M4 offers a significant performance upgrade over previous models, particularly in GPU capabilities, making it suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and AI applications. While it maintains the familiar design and a high-quality LCD display, it lacks advanced features like a higher refresh rate or mini-LED technology found in more expensive iPad Pro models. Despite these caveats, the iPad Air M4 remains a strong contender for the best overall tablet for most users due to its performance and accessory support.
PS6 Rival Xbox Helix Could Cost as Much as $1,200
Speculation suggests Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, could cost between $1,000 and $1,200, potentially reaching up to $1,500 due to component costs. This pricing strategy is intended to emphasize performance advantages over the PlayStation 6, which is also expected to be expensive. The new Xbox is anticipated to launch in 2027.
DRAM Price Fixing Cartel Exposed: How Memory Makers Are Scamming PC Gamers
An investigation reveals that major DRAM manufacturers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have engaged in price-fixing and market manipulation, artificially inflating RAM costs for PC gamers. This coordinated action creates artificial scarcity, leading to significantly higher prices for components like DDR4 and DDR5 memory, impacting the affordability of gaming PCs.
'Nothing has actually changed': Valve recommits to a 2026 launch for the Steam Machine amid rumors of a…
Valve has reaffirmed its commitment to launching the Steam Machine in 2026, despite rumors of a potential delay. While an early 2026 or Q1 launch now seems unlikely due to the ongoing RAM crisis impacting supply chains, Valve PR representative Kaci Aitchison Boyle confirmed that "nothing has actually changed" regarding their plans. The Steam Frame wireless VR headset and Steam Controller will also launch in 2026.
This Retro Gamer’s 26-Year-Old Pikachu N64 Still Works — And It’s Making Everyone Jealous
A Reddit user shared a photo of their perfectly preserved Pikachu Edition Nintendo 64, which still functions flawlessly after 26 years, sparking discussions about retro gaming hardware and nostalgia. The article contrasts the durability of older consoles with modern hardware issues and highlights the growing value and importance of preserving vintage gaming systems.
Nintendo Switch 2: From the Original Switch to a New Era of Power
This analysis explores the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, detailing its custom NVIDIA Ampere chipset, DLSS capabilities, and potential ray tracing performance. It highlights the console's new 120Hz HDR display, redesigned JoyCons, and compares its expected real-world gameplay performance to devices like the Steam Deck and PlayStation 5, positioning it as Nintendo's most significant hardware leap.
A $1,000 Xbox might actually make sense, if Project Helix gets it right
Analysis suggests Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, could be priced between $999 and $1,200 due to powerful rumored hardware. If performance claims of significantly improved rasterization and ray tracing hold true, it could offer a compelling alternative to high-end gaming PCs, blending console simplicity with PC flexibility.
Nintendo Direct Confirmed for March 2026 – But There’s a Major Catch
Nintendo has confirmed a Nintendo Direct presentation for the third week of March 2026, accompanied by a mysterious "big catch." This announcement has generated significant excitement and speculation within the gaming community regarding potential reveals for upcoming games or the long-rumored successor to the Nintendo Switch. The unusual warning has led to widespread fan theories about what this "catch" might entail, ranging from pricing and availability concerns to potential game delays or cancellations.
Valve Unwarns About Hardware Delays
Valve has addressed reports of potential delays for its Steam hardware, stating that it still intends to launch its Steam Machines within the current year. The company is following up on earlier information regarding possible production or release schedule impacts.
Valve still hopes to ship the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller "this year"
Valve has stated it still intends to ship the Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame this year, though it is no longer providing specific release windows. The company cited challenges with memory and storage shortages as reasons for previous delays. Valve also reflected on its hardware development journey, highlighting advancements in Linux compatibility and the gamepad experience.
Valve reconfirm the Steam Frame, Steam Machine and Steam Controller are due in 2026
Valve has confirmed that the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Controller are all scheduled for release in 2026. Despite initial uncertainty and concerns about component shortages impacting pricing and availability, Valve has clarified that all three hardware products will ship this year. The company also provided an update on Steam's growth, reporting 42 million peak concurrent users and 100 exabytes of data delivered to customers in 2025.
I'm a Linux bore now, so I used my new powers to resurrect a ten year-old laptop forgotten by Windows
This article details the process of resurrecting a ten-year-old Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 laptop by installing a lightweight Linux distribution, Origami Linux, to replace Windows 10. The author highlights the improved performance, battery life, and user experience compared to the original OS, despite the laptop's aging hardware and a failing battery.
Valve’s Steam Machine Faces A Possible Delay Due To Techbros AI Kink | Console Creatures
Valve has announced potential delays for its upcoming Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame, originally slated for Q1 2026. The company cited challenges with integrating Artificial Intelligence and ongoing memory and storage shortages as reasons for a possible shift to the latter half of 2026. The Steam Machine is described as six times more powerful than the Steam Deck, featuring AMD Zen 4 and RDNA3 architecture with support for 4K gaming and ray tracing.
Steam Hardware Possibly Delayed
Valve's annual Steam Year In Review 2025 report indicates potential delays for Steam hardware. The report, which summarizes platform activity for developers, includes sections on hardware, shopping, discoverability, and tools & data.